In this conceptual paper, the concept of path dependency is used as an interpretive lens to examine the relationship between entrepreneurship and regional development. A critical review of the path dependency literature showed that the concept needs to be complemented first to fit the purpose of this paper. Three suggestions have been made. By using path dependency as an interpretive lens, five interrelated propositions could be made addressing the suggested complements. First, discussing entrepreneurship in a regional context, three different dimensions of path dependency should be taken into consideration: the technological, cognitive and social dimension. So far the cognitive and social dimension of path dependency has been neglected. Second, entrepreneurial activities form a regional path which is linked to the industries within the region. Third, there are two different types of entrepreneurship, namely radical and related entrepreneurship. Fourth, the same types of entrepreneurship will trigger different regional development processes depending on the specific situation of the region. Fifth, entrepreneurs who possess new information from outside the region will more likely alter the path of the region.

Subject:

Business Administration\MarketingBusiness Administration\Management Control